A Somalian accused of a violent knife rampage across Christchurch last month could remain in a psychiatric hospital for "some time'', his lawyer told a judge today.
The 27-year-old man, who has name suppression, had his attendance excused when his case called at Christchurch District Court today.
His case was continued until April 26, to allow a psychiatric report under the Criminal Procedures (Mentally Impaired Persons) Act, to be completed. Meanwhile, the unemployed man remains remanded in custody at Hillmorton Hospital in Christchurch.
Defence counsel Alister Davies told Judge Paul Keller that having spoken to the man's family and members of the local Somalian community, the man "may well be in Hillmorton for some time''.
The judge said the issue of name suppression would be "fully argued'' at the next court appearance if the psychiatric report was available.